Columbia Heights running back D’Aireus Mock ran in for a touchdown during the first quarter against St. Paul Humboldt.

Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune

After winless 2011, Columbia Heights rolls to first victory

Article by: DAVID LA VAQUE

Star Tribune

August 24, 2012 - 9:44 PM

Late in the fourth quarter of his football team's surprising opening night romp, Columbia Heights quarterback David Dixon felt a strange new sensation come over him.

Winning.

After going without a victory last season, the Hylanders scored five touchdowns in the first half to breeze to a 52-24 victory Friday against visiting St. Paul Humboldt. Dixon, a sophomore in his third year of organized football and playing quarterback for the first time, showed a veteran's moxie. He ran for two scores and passed for a third in the first half.

"I'm not used to winning so it's taking a while to soak in," he said. "It feels good."

Dixon made his first contribution on defense, recovering the Hawks' opening-drive fumble. Once under center, Dixon directed a scoring drive that ended with his 3-yard touchdown run.

Humboldt punted away its ensuing possession and D'Aireus Mock returned the ball 52 yards for a score. Mock added 134 yards rushing while fellow running back Deshon Lenear rushed for 240 yards and three touchdowns.

"Our offensive line was blocking and those guys just did what they do," Dixon said.

Dixon kept the Hylanders rolling as he found Gulaid Warsame for a 27-yard touchdown pass to give Heights a 24-0 lead.

Humboldt got on track with its passing game. Two catches by Leo Wade brought the Hawks into Columbia Heights territory for the first time. The drive ended on downs as Wade caught a ball just out of the end zone.

But a Montrell Holmes interception got the ball right back. Humboldt, which like Columbia Heights did not win a game last season, scored twice in the first half on touchdown passes from Dominique Khamarath.

Dixon hopes the strong start is a signal of more to come.

"My No. 1 thing is getting more wins," he said. "I don't want to win just one game."